General News
Fashola, Others Hail Adebutu for Projects @ St. Saviour’s School
Dame Abimbola Fashola, first lady of Lagos State on Tuesday joined host of others showering encomiums on Dr. Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as “Baba Ijebu”, for donating an Olympic-size swimming pool to St. Saviour’s School, Ebute-Metta, worth N60 million.
Fashola, while commissioning the facilities at the school premises, described the gesture as right step in the right direction and recognized that the donor has been supportive and pillar to many sectors in the State.
She said, “Daddy Adebutu donates without regrets, without looking back and has always promised to do more”.
On the swimming pool project, Fashola, the special guest at the occasion said, “You will agree with me that when swimming is included in a school’s curriculum it becomes a giant step to harmonizing families, the community and great support to sharpening the pupils’ skills. Pa Adebutu has been apt in supporting sporting events in the State as a whole and I use this opportunity to encourage others to show the spirit of philanthropy towards the development of facilities like this and others.
“I felicitate with St. Saviour’s School for this feat; I am particularly delighted that this school has kept the dream of the founding fathers thriving. The serene and clean environment is a testimony that the premises remain conducive for teaching and learning”.
On his part, Mr. Tomi Ogboi, chairman, Board of Management of the School, commended Adebutu family’s gesture; who having gone through the school deemed it worthy to give back to alma-mater.
“Our record shows a long association with Sir (Chief) Dr. Kesington Adebutu when he took the initial step of sending his first child here. Our records show that since then, eleven direct children and eight grand-children have passed through the portals of our school. During my meeting with him, he informed me that he was impressed with the quality of education here that he also ensured that many of his extended family came here on scholarship. The Adebutu family is worthy of emulation”.
Ogboi also gave an impressive record of achievements by the school in the last 64 years to include, “we are the first trust not-for-profit primary school in Nigeria. We led the way for other private primary schools to follow. Today, we look back and say without equivocation that we have made a positive on education in Nigeria.
“In addition, we have added a number of firsts. We were the very first primary school to be internet compliant. We were the very first to have a computer laboratory. We were the first to have a science laboratory. We were the first to teach ICT as a core subject in Nigeria. We are also the first to teach moral instructions as a core subject and teach music as a core subject. Our children sit for the Trinity College London School of Music Examinations. We are the very first primary school in Lagos State to support Public Primary Institutions in Lagos State through the donation of educational infrastructure and we will continue to do that,” he said.
Meanwhile, St. Saviour’s School, Ebute-Metta, remains the first primary school in Nigeria to introduce learnPad, an e-learning technology in the primary school sector.
“This technology, Ogboi said, “was different from other because it was developed by teachers for the pupils. It is none like other. The expert teachers know what the classroom requirements are and have gone ahead to develop the technology,” he explained.
Ogboi added that with the donation of the swimming pool, “We can now add to the portfolio of life skills which we teach our children here. From this term, swimming will be incorporated into the school curriculum of the school as a core subject such that every child will have a swimming lesson during school hours”.
He described the trend as a unique selling preposition of the school.
On learning about the penchant interest of the school management in building the pupils for greater impact on their family, and the society at large, Dr. Adebutu, the donor promised presented a cheque in the sum of N600,000 for the maintenance of the swimming pool facilities for a period of one year.
Like Dame Abimbola Fashola said, Dr. Adebutu pledged a sum of N100million in support of two major projects – the Ultra-modern sports centre and the New Nursery complex, to be embarked on by the school management soon.
He added that his motivation for giving to the school and others are based on the fact he made his money through Sports and appreciates good child upbringing.
Adebutu added that he believes “and trusts that incorporation of physical activities in the School’s daily programme cannot be overemphasized.
“Swimming is a healthy, educational activity for people of all ages; which I am sure the pupils will derive their own dosage in good time”.
He further said such activity keeps the heart rate up but takes some of the impact of stress off one’s body, builds endurance and supports musical strength and cardiovascular fitness.
Also speaking, Mrs. Ailsa Griffiths, the head Teacher, said, “the school has been consistent in its efforts towards providing Nigerians with high-quality education, blended with robust recreational and sports facilities to physically keep fit and be mentally alert.”
Griffiths said the school follows the Nigerian curriculum programmes of study, while including element of the British curriculum and offering a wider international perspective to learning with sport inclusive
Her words: “St Saviour’s school offers a broad and balanced education, preparing our children to succeed in a challenging global community and choice of profession including taking to sports and entertainment which are invariably rewarding and credible”.
She then reiterated the school’s mission statement, which, she said, is to “Provide a stimulating, conducive and child-friendly environment that will promote in the pupils, excellence In learning and character, employee job satisfaction and competency, healthy community relationship, while meeting global challenges.”
To achieve this, Griffiths said St. Saviour’s School Ebute Metta strives to provide, for the children of Lagos, an affordable good quality education blended with sports in a safe, secure and stimulating environment.
“The school sets a high standard of achievement and all our pupils are encouraged to try their very best at everything they set out to do.
“The school seeks to provide opportunities for all children to enjoy an enriching and broad learning experience, where they can develop their l skills on their personal journey to reach their full and true potential,” she explained.
She quickly included that the pupils of the school are made conscious of the world around them, how to communicate effectively, to co-operate with others and to adopt a positive approach to their learning.
“They are taught about making a valuable contribution to society and to accept their responsibility in the preservation of the environment for future generations.”
Parents and other invited guests joined the board and management of the St. Saviour’s School in appreciating Dr. Adebutu’s family, while the pupils showed their swimming skills too.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has explained why kidnappers and terrorists are not always traceable despite the country’s expanding digital identity infrastructure.
NIMC explanation pointed to a simple but significant gap in the system.
Abisoye Coker-Odusote, director-general of the agency said that: “A lot of the time, you find out the kidnappers use the phones of the people they have abducted, which means how do you trace them because they are not using their own phones?” she said.
Coker-Odusote spoke during an appearance on Channels Television, where she was asked to explain why criminals remain difficult to trace despite the mandatory NIN-SIM linkage policy.
She said criminals frequently frustrate investigations by using mobile phones belonging to their victims, instead of their own registered lines.
“We already know the NIN is the foundational identity for the security architecture, but a lot of the time, you find out the kidnappers use the phones of the people they have abducted. Which means, how do you trace them because they are not using their own phones?” she said.
She also suggested that some criminal elements involved in kidnapping operations may not even be captured in Nigeria’s identity database.
“There is a theory that it may be possible that these kidnappers are not Nigerians and are brought into the country 48 or 72 hours before a kidnapping takes place specifically for that purpose. I’m not insinuating anything, but if that were the case, they naturally would not be captured in our database,” she added.
The comments have revived questions about whether expectations placed on the NIN-SIM linkage have exceeded what the system was designed to deliver.
The NIN-SIM linkage exercise was introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with NIMC to strengthen identity management, eliminate anonymous SIM ownership and support national security.
Over the years, the exercise resulted in millions of subscribers linking their SIM cards with their National Identification Numbers, while telecom operators also deactivated millions of lines that failed to comply with regulatory directives.
Earlier, the NCC maintained that the policy was aimed at improving the integrity of Nigeria’s SIM registration database, strengthening identity verification and supporting security agencies in criminal investigations.
The regulator also described the exercise as an important component of the country’s digital economy and national security framework.
Telecommunications operators have consistently maintained that while they play a critical role in implementing the NIN-SIM linkage policy, they are not responsible for tracking criminals.
Quest Merchant Bank recently hosted the second edition of the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a high-performance workplace culture and advancing people-centric leadership practices.
The Study Mission serves as a collaborative learning platform that brings together Great Place to Work® Certified organizations to exchange insights, share best practices, and strengthen workplace cultures.
The event welcomed Human Resources leaders and representatives from FITC, Princeps Credit Systems, Tonic Technologies and Esentry Limited for an engaging and insightful session focused on building thriving workplace cultures, promoting continuous learning, and advancing employee-centric practices that drive organizational success.
Speaking at the event, Tolulope Dayo-Peters, Head of People Management, emphasized the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in building sustainable workplace cultures.
“We are delighted to host the second edition of the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission. At Quest Merchant Bank, we believe building a great workplace is an ongoing journey rooted in trust, purposeful leadership, and a genuine commitment to our people.
“We are pleased to share the practices that have shaped our culture and look forward to more opportunities to learn and collaborate with like-minded organizations.”
Also speaking at the event, Afolabi Olorode, Acting Managing Director/CEO, Quest Merchant Bank Limited, highlighted the critical role workplace culture plays in driving long-term business success.
“We recognize that a strong workplace culture is fundamental to sustainable business success. Creating an environment where our people are empowered to grow, innovate, and perform at their best enables us to consistently deliver value to our clients and stakeholders. We are proud to support initiatives like the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission that encourage organizations to learn from one another and collectively raise the standard of workplace excellence in Nigeria.”
The Study Mission reinforced the importance of collaboration among organizations committed to creating exceptional employee experiences.
By providing a platform for open dialogue, peer learning, and the exchange of practical ideas, the initiative enabled participants to explore innovative approaches to employee engagement, organizational culture, leadership development, and talent management while strengthening a growing community of employers dedicated to workplace excellence.
Hosting the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission further strengthens Quest Merchant Bank’s position as a thought leader in workplace culture and talent management.
It also enhances the Bank’s employer brand and demonstrates its unwavering commitment to creating an environment where employees can grow, innovate, and achieve their full potential.
Quest Merchant Bank remains committed to championing initiatives that promote learning, innovation, and people-centric leadership. Through strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing platforms such as the Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission, the Bank continues to contribute to the advancement of exceptional workplace cultures and the future of work across Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) has warned of possible floods in parts of Adamawa, Bauchi, Edo, Imo, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and Borno states within the next seven days.
According to information posted on NIHSA X handle, the Agency announced medium flood advisory in force for the next 7 days across Adamawa, Bauchi, and 11 other States.
“Localised inundation is forecast along the main channel; named communities below sit on the projected footprint. Stations: Saminara on the Karam river, Waya Dam Site on the Waya river, Amber on the Amber river.
“Adamawa; Lemsa, Lamurde, Numan Exposure: 147 comm. 49 schis 40 hith 6 mkts17 relig. Bauchi-Bauchi, Ningi, Shira. Exposure: 4 comm. Kaduna; Chikun, Giwa, Igabi, Jaba, Jema’a, Kachia, Kaura, Kauru, +6 more. Exposure: 1 comm.
“Borno-Gubio, Mobbar. Exposure: 680 comm. 8 schls 6 hith 5 mkts 21 relig. Edo-Akoko-Ed, EtsakoEa, EtsakoWe, Ikpoba-Okha, Orhionmw, OviaNort, OviaSo.. Exposure: 3 comm.
“Imo-Aboh-Mba, Oguta, Ohaji/Eg, Okigwe, Owerri North, Owerri West. Exposure: 3 comm. 7 more states affected and severity LGAs”.
NIHSA advised people in the affected areas to “do NOT cross flooded roads, bridges, or fast-moving water on foot or by vehicle.
“Clear drainage channels and river-mouth blockages; avoid building or living in the floodplain and move people, livestock and valuables from the floodplain to pre-identified higher ground,” NIHSA stated.
NBC Scraps Annual Digital Access Fee on DSO
Surge in Fibre Cuts Hobbles Service Provisioning
Why Bandits, Kidnappers are Hard to Trace despite NIN-SIM Linkage – FG
First Securities Brokers Empowers Nigerians to Trade in the Stock Market with the Launch of FirstInvest App
Quest Merchant Bank Hosts Great Place to Work® Nigeria Study Mission
NRC, Ponzi Scheme Collapses Resulting Loss of Billions of Naira
Nigeria Launches FreeTV Nationwide
NASENI Moves to Digitize CCB’s 5m Assets Declaration and Operations
Lebara Nigeria Launches Lebara Play, Africa’s First Telecom-Owned Micro-Drama Platform
CANAL+ Partners Samsung to Pre-Load DStv Stream on New Samsung TVs In Nigeria, Other African Countries
Telecom3 days agoMTN Nigeria Slashes Cost of Broadband Internet Router, Unwraps New Data Bundles for Low-Budget Users
E-Financial3 days agoNigerians Accumulate $59Bn in Cryptocurrency Assets —FDC
E-Financial3 days agoFlutterwave Partners Xoom on Transfers into Nigeria
General News3 days agoNearpays, Nigerian Fintech Becomes First African Startup to Win UN’s AI for Good Innovation Factory
News3 days agoDataPro Upgrades Dangote Cement’s Credit Rating to AA+
E-Business3 days agoTinubu Orders NIMC to Enrol Every Nigerian by End of this Year – DG
Telecom3 days agoNokia’s 14 Years of Mobile-Phone Supremacy Ended in an Afternoon
E-Business2 days agoTD Africa Sponsors Check Point Secure 360 Summit to Boost Cybersecurity in Nigeria